Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a warm, cheesy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner? Look no further than this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole! This recipe combines tender chicken, healthy broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to golden-brown perfection. It’s a family favorite that’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring a delicious and stress-free cooking experience. Get ready to enjoy a truly comforting and flavorful casserole!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole

* **Comfort Food Classic:** This casserole is the epitome of comfort food. The creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli create a symphony of flavors and textures that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love this casserole! The familiar flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with kids and adults alike.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add different vegetables, cheeses, or spices to create your own unique variation.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready to eat. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese are all relatively affordable ingredients, making this casserole a budget-friendly option.
* **Nutritious:** While undeniably comforting, this casserole also offers nutritional benefits. Chicken provides protein, broccoli offers vitamins and fiber, and cheese contributes calcium.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole:

* **Chicken:** 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own chicken breasts.
* **Broccoli:** 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped. You can also use frozen broccoli, thawed and drained.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Use a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor.
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup.
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk (whole or 2%).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Onion Powder:** 1/2 teaspoon.
* **Optional Toppings:** Bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions.

Equipment Needed

* **9×13 inch Baking Dish:** For baking the casserole.
* **Large Skillet or Pot:** For making the cheese sauce.
* **Cutting Board and Knife:** For chopping the broccoli and chicken.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For measuring the ingredients.
* **Whisk:** For stirring the cheese sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get to the fun part – making the casserole! Follow these step-by-step instructions for a perfect Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole every time.

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Broccoli**

* If you’re using raw chicken, cook it first. You can bake, boil, or grill the chicken breasts. Once cooked, let them cool slightly and then shred or cube them into bite-sized pieces. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver.
* Wash the broccoli florets and chop them into smaller pieces. You can steam the broccoli for 5-7 minutes until it’s tender-crisp, or blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, you can roast the broccoli alongside the chicken for extra flavor. Frozen broccoli florets can be used – simply thaw and drain them well.

**Step 2: Make the Cheddar Cheese Sauce**

* In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
* Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to break up any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
* Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring constantly. It should start to thicken in a few minutes.
* Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**Step 3: Assemble the Casserole**

* Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cheddar cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
* Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
* If desired, sprinkle with bread crumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions for added texture and flavor.

**Step 4: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
* If the topping is browning too quickly, you can loosely cover the casserole with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.

**Step 5: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole is delicious on its own, or you can serve it with a side salad, mashed potatoes, or rice.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to make this Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole even more delicious and customize it to your liking:

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, for a unique flavor.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
* **Add a Crust:** Top the casserole with a buttery cracker crust for added crunch. Simply crush Ritz crackers or saltines and mix them with melted butter before sprinkling them over the top.
* **Use a Different Sauce:** Instead of making a cheese sauce from scratch, you can use a can of condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup as a base. Just thin it out with a little milk or chicken broth.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the cheese sauce and gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the casserole.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the chicken and add more broccoli or other vegetables to make it a vegetarian casserole.
* **Use Different Pasta:** Add cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) to the casserole for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to make it even more special:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing is a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with the casserole.
* **Rice:** Fluffy rice is another great option for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
* **Garlic Bread:** Toasted garlic bread is always a welcome addition to any casserole meal.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Add another serving of vegetables, such as steamed green beans or asparagus, for a balanced meal.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

* **Assemble the Casserole:** Prepare the casserole according to the recipe instructions, but don’t bake it.
* **Cover and Refrigerate:** Cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
* **Bake:** When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. You may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time since the casserole is cold.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole is a delicious, easy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, follow the instructions, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying casserole!

Enjoy this classic comfort food recipe that combines simple ingredients into a flavorful and satisfying dish. Your family will thank you!